There is growing awareness of community and public health issues in many cities and counties across the country. Community planning can directly enhance the wellness of a community and is a recognized tool for increasing individuals’ physical activity rates, access to healthy foods, and access to health care. Community Gardens provide various opportunities and benefits by increasing access to fresh food and promoting nutrition and physical activity. Community Gardens are defined as a shared piece of land maintained and cultivated by the residents of a community.

BENEFITS

• Provides food security by increasing access to fresh food
• Promotes nutrition
• Promotes increase in physical activity
• Minimizes carbon footprint
• Creates sustainable communities
• Improves mental health
• Brings people together

GET STARTED

If you are considering creating a community garden, please visit the Planning Counter for information on City standards, application process, and additional resources. The first steps in this process include:

1. Choose a location in your neighborhood that may include common open space, which is flat and accessible to your community.
2. Work with your neighbors or your Homeowners Association to develop a maintenance and funding plan.
3. Visit the Community Development Department at City Hall to speak with a Planner about your proposal.
4. Complete the Community Gardens Design Review Application and submit your project. 

EXISTING GARDENS 

In October 2014, the Community Development Department approved one community garden located in District 3 on Rocky Hill Road, next to the Rocky Hill Trail. The Rocky Hill Trail Community Garden merged six parcels of land and included an approximately 1,500 sq. ft. storage building for gardening equipment. Currently, the site is owned by the Father’s House membership organization and operated by community members in the Rocky Hill neighborhood. The site contains approximately 40 plots of garden beds with a small gazebo at the center; the storage building has not been constructed. No other sites have been proposed since the policies were adopted.

For examples about existing community gardens, please check out the Rocky Hill Community Garden located on Rocky Hill Road, east of Holly Lane.